LOVE AND GRACE

"Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." - Matthew 18:5

Mission Teams

Would you like to see what God is doing in Haiti, participate in a nightly praise and devotion time with the boys, and have a chance to serve others? Join one of our open mission teams, or if you have a group of five of more that would like to go, please contact us about setting up a trip.

If you would like more information about mission teams or would like an application, please contact Nancy Turner at [email protected].

We will be sponsoring the following Mission Trips:

February 22 - 28, 2019

Kelly's Story ~ July 2-12, 2018

For three years I have listened to my dearest friend, Robin, share about her experiences at Love and Grace Boys Home. Conversations began and ended with an unending joy and love for the boys and the people of Haiti. Many times tears of love flowed as well. This year I decided to see what all the fuss was about and joined Robin along with 9 other amazing people. Now I know why Robin can't speak of Haiti without pure joy and teary eyes of love. For the first time I saw and truly understood Hebrews 4:12. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

When we arrived we packed 22 duffel bags full of supplies in our vehicles and headed for the boys home. The scars from the hurricanes and earthquakes littered the streets as we drove. I couldn't help but think how depressing and sad it would be to live here, but when we arrived at the home I saw something completely different; smiles and boys full of love and hope.We were greeted by 20 boys with hugs, energy and enthusiasm beyond belief. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The next four days were spent at Pastor Augustine's church. We spent the first two days making 20 church benches for the congregation. As hot and tiring as that work proved to be, that was nothing compared to seeing over 150 children sitting on them for VBS, having a meal on them and being able to hand out 100 pairs of "the shoe that grows".

We were looking forward to the next 4 days doing VBS, feeding the children and giving out another 100 pairs of shoes, but that never happened. Due to the uprising going on throughout the country we were not able to venture out. From the roof top where we did our devotions we could see the fires, but there was no fear. It was so clear that our God had a protective hedge around us at all times. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

The remainder of our time was blessed with hours of time spent with the boys playing games, singing, and just building relationships. We were able to purchase paint and paint the apartment above the orphanage. Joining us in the task, the boys made this time one of the highlights of the trip. God is doing a mighty work through Love and Grace, raising these boys to know Jesus and one day will make a difference in their country. Like Robin, I look forward to my next trip. The boys, the place, the people of Haiti will be forever engraved upon my heart.

Emma's Story

Anyone who has visited with the Love and Grace Ministry, knows that this just may be the happiest place on earth. Or at least, that's how I feel it is. My name is Emma Ryan and I have been to Haiti four times - in the summer of 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Some may think that this would be more than enough time to feel the warmth and love that God has placed on Haiti, however, it is only just a little dose that keeps us sane until we have the blessing of returning again.

Since I had been to Haiti before, I already knew the love I was about to experience. My heart was placed in Haiti during my first trip and it never left. This story is about my 2016 trip. I had been praying and praying and praying about this trip, because we had no clue whether or not we were going to be able to go on it. Our wonderful leader and director (Mom) of Love and Grace Ministries, Nancy Turner, had experienced some health issues earlier in the year. By the grace of God, we were able to join her in her journey back to Haiti, and visit & minister to not only to the amazing boys that reside in the Love and Grace Orphanage, but also the little children all over Haiti.

Our team visited two different churches for Vacation bible school, Pastor Nathan's church is in Galilee. We had been to Galilee before, and it was so wonderful to see that the same children who attended school there the year before, also attended VBS. These kids had the biggest smiles, and were so grateful that we were there to not only feed them, but also share with them the word of God. These children were phenomenal.

The church run by Pastor Augustine was not a new church, but it was new to us. We had never been to this VBS before, because the church had never had Americans come in & give a message. These children were so loving, and so eager to hear from us. Their singing and laughter reassured us that God's work was flowing through us, and we were doing everything we were supposed to.

We had the blessing of going to Galilee again, however, it wasn't for the children. 250 pairs of reading distance eye glasses were donated to Love and Grace, so we set up an eyeglass clinic. Many people came to the church, and each person received a pair of glasses. I had the pleasure of asking each person, "Ou esa byen?" meaning, "you understand well?". When they were not able to see the writing on the paper, their faces were overcome by sadness. They couldn't see the markings on a paper a foot away from their faces. When they were sent off to the next table, where they could try on and receive their glasses, it was a completely different atmosphere. Facial expressions changed drastically and smiles stretched across their faces. When you're in such an impoverished place like Haiti, it's the little things, like getting a pair of glasses, that truly make the biggest impact on people.